Not today folks.

After many days of consistent contractions (between 15 and 20 minutes apart) and new really painful cramping, my husband convinced me I should call the doctors office and speak with a nurse. We knew that most likely everything was fine, but it is Friday and I seem to have a tendency to wait thinking I'll be fine and then something scary happens on the weekend. So I did as he said, and I called.

Caller #5. #4. #3. #2. YAY! Finally my turn and it only took 4 minutes of waiting. I think that is a record wait time for starting as caller #5 to the nurses department.

A few weeks ago this had happened and I was told to try Tylenol, a warm bath, and altering positions to try and ease away the pain. These steps worked for the most part back then, but it turned out I had an infection that was making the contractions happen so I was given some miracle Macrobid and after a few days I was consistent contraction free. I tried all of the above listed steps, and they didn't ease up at all. I was pretty sure I didn't have an infection (I get them enough I usually know) so what else would be causing this? Is it normal? I asked the nurse.

"To be honest, it could be completely normal. Some women experience consistent contractions about that far apart for weeks before delivering, while others only a few days before, and some just a few hours. However, there really isn't anyway for us to determine that over the phone. And you have tried taking some Tylenol?" Yes. Multiple times in the last few days. "And changing positions doesn't help?" Nope. Same great pain. Same types of contractions. Same distance apart. Only difference is now I have awful cramping like I only have at that time of the month, and I waddle because I feel like something is about to fall out of me. Her recommendation?

LABOR & DELIVERY.

So today, my sick husband and myself took an adventure to the McKay Dee Labor & Delivery. Everyone was so nice and friendly. They put the pretty pink and blue belts on and we got to listen and watch our baby's heartbeat. We got to watch for contractions. But guess what? They stopped. For the first time in 3 days, I was contraction free and all it took was a trip to the hospital. [If this is a sign of what is to come, I'm a little nervous.] They lovely doctor lady decided it was best to do check me and do an fFN (I think that is what it was called). TALK ABOUT PAINFUL! End result- NOT TODAY!

Turns out these contractions are real, but doing nothing for me. I am okay with that since I still have 5 weeks left. I was given a list of things to watch for and things that would mean I needed to go back. But, ultimately I was sent home. I really am happy for this because Ezra could use some more time to grow. However, I now have a new fear that hasn't hit me until today- will I be able to survive labor and delivery? Will I be able to last as long as I want to without an epidural or will I cave much sooner than I'm hoping to wait? Will I be too scared of looking stupid for a false alarm (this is a dumb fear, I know, but it's just how I am) that I will wait too long to go to the hospital? If I go into labor anytime in the next 4 weeks, will I be ready? Or will it end up that he waits and I get to be induced?

So many questions, so much to think about and wonder about. I guess I will go put baby clothes away since I re-washed them all last night, put the freshly painted bathrooms back together and scrub them down. That should be enough to keep me distracted and calm for a little while.. I think.

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